as in boring
lacking in distinctive features or qualities
a plain vanilla version of a song that's been recorded more times than necessary
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Recent Examples of vanilla
The court has ruled that the companies must develop a new product formula that does not include vanilla derived from non-vanilla plant sources within 12 months of the settlement’s finalization, according to the news release.
—
Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 30 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for vanilla
Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 30 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for vanilla
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vanilla
Adjective
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Some people assume that longtime married couples are boring, but my husband has never bored me.—
Seija Rankin,
HollywoodReporter,
4 June 2025
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Spectators perceive tennis outfits as plain, boring, rigid or limited to a specific silhouette.—
Ruth Etiesit Samuel,
Essence,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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Because Castile soap has a naturally high pH, this soap is probably not going to be the best choice for delicate materials like wool and silk where a detergent with neutral pH levels is recommended.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
27 May 2025
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Previously, pro-Kremlin trolls had been notably restrained in commenting on Trump, using neutral or careful language, Agentstvo reported.—
Isabel van Brugen,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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Available in 21 colors—including versatile neutrals like black and beige and bright options like coral and burgundy—there’s a pair for every style and mood.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
30 May 2025
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Shop it in three easy-to-style neutrals: black, beige, and khaki.—
Isabel Garcia,
People.com,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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In a nondescript field in the northern United States, two white canids race through the snow, their massive paws leaving prints long absent from the modern wilderness.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
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With many human rights under threat with our current administration—including LGBTQ+ rights and resources for trans youth—a more nondescript and label-free uniform can act as a form of protection, or even a form of rebellion.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vanilla.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vanilla. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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